A Rare Case Report on Synostosing Osteochondroma of Foot

An osteochondroma, also known as an exostosis, is a benign bone tumor that typically develops in the metaphysis of long bones, primarily the distal femur, proximal tibia, and proximal humerus. It consists of a bony outgrowth covered by a cartilage cap. The left foot of a young female patient with a synostosing osteochondroma is affected in this unusual case. On X-ray, a well- defined exostosis arising from the second, third & fourth metatarsals, causing pressure erosion and impending fracture of the same. MRI scan also clearly depicted the lesion and the erosion of the metatarsals. The patient underwent removal through dorsal as well as plantar incision. Intraoperatively, a sessile hard bony swelling with a broad base resembling a cauliflower was found. Osteochondromas are rarely localized in the foot and ankle. Although most of the osteochondromas should be treated conservatively until skeletal maturity, those affecting the foot should be treated with surgical excision in order to relieve pain or prevent fracture due to the expanding nature of this benign tumour.